Jodo

*JODO -

SeiTei Jodo -

This “old tradition” martial way was created in Japan around the end of the 16th century.  It was found that a jo, a 50-inch staff, could best a sword in a fight due to its longer length.

The style we practice is called SeiTei Jodo. Its movements have been standardized,  and incorporated into 12 kata.

Today’s Jodo (the Way of the Staff) includes the training set developed in the late 1960’s, by Takaji Shimizu Sensei (25th head master of Shindo Muso Ryu) and adopted by the Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei. Shimizu changed the name of the style to Jodo from jojutsu and developed the 12 kihon (basic exercises) as a training aid. The SeiTei Jodo described below is governed by the Zen Nippon Kendo Renmei (Japanese Kendo Federation).

What is a Jo
The jo is a wooden staff, ideally made from Japanese White Oak, that has a diameter of 8 bu (almost 1 in.), and a length of 4 shaku, 2 sun and 1 bu (50 in.). Techniques are created from a combination of thrusts, parries, strokes (cutting), and larger swinging techniques. The stick also serves as a shield to protect the user from the assailant.

Why Train with a Jo
Because the wooden staff and sword are “real” weapons and potentially very dangerous if used combatively, Jodo has no competitive element, such as exists in kendo or naginata-do, where one uses protective equipment and engages in freestyle sparring. Training is conducted through the use of kata (choreographed, highly stylized formal training exercises) that recreate a jo user defending himself against a swordsman armed with a bokken (wooden sword). The training develops timing, distance, awareness, spirit, and a peaceful, calm mind and attitiude. It is also an excellent form of physical training in which flexibility, range of motion, coordination and strength are enhanced.

Jodo is an excellent “first” martial art for older people for whom a martial study is a goal, but who don’t want to risk the harsh physical elements common to most martial arts.

Jodo is also an wonderful way for persons who have trained in a traditional martial art to continue their discipline after they are no longer physically capable (or interested) in delivering powerful punches, kicks, throws or falls.

Jodo is a study that involves no fighting, no competitions and no focus on applied self defense. Jodo is a study in cooperation, creating beautiful, powerful movements with a partner and, most importantly, developing a sense of discipline and concentration.